Chapter21
Katelyn
“Thank you so much,” I tell Mr.Rodney, one of the usuals at the diner, when he hands me a twenty as a tip.“You really don’t need to do this.”
“Nonsense.I heard about what happened at your apartment last week.Such a shame.If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask, girl.We take care of our own ’round here.”He smiles at me, his cheeks pink, and I have to actively fight the tears in my eyes.
All week, I’ve had people casually offering me their help should I need clothes, shoes, or other household items now that my apartment will be finished tonight.
Apparently, word has spread, courtesy of my landlord, Geoff.A man whom I still have never met in person, but who has always been beyond kind whenever we’re on the phone.It all adds up to one more reason why I really don’t want to leave this town.It’s the closest thing I’ve had to family since walking away from mine.
As it always does, the thought of my parents results in a stabbing pain in my chest.The grief still hasn’t dissipated.Likely because, if I were brave enough, I could reach out to them.They would welcome me with open arms, even despite everything I’ve done.
They would welcome Thomas.
Keep it together, Katelyn.
I swallow down the pain and shove the twenty into my pocket.“Thanks again, Mr.Rodney.Can I get you some more coffee?”
“Nope, I’m plenty caffeinated.”He beams at me.“See you around, Miss Katelyn.”
“See you,” I reply as the older man gets up from the barstool he’s been occupying for the last hour and heads out into the night.As I do every time I get a break, I check my phone for a message from Thomas.There haven’t been any since this afternoon, but I know one will be coming in soon.He always texts or calls right before dinner.
The days that have passed haven’t made it any easier to cope with him being away for the first time, but I am so happy I let him go.If I hadn’t, he wouldn’t be having the amazing time he is.
And I likely wouldn’t be where I am with Garrison.
I smile to myself, then shove my phone back into my apron and clear the dirty dishes from the counter.Thoughts of Garrison occupy my mind.Our first kiss, and every one since.Soft promises of letting me set the pace.Of understanding that I need to move slow, given everything I’ve been through.
Lord, how did I get so lucky?
“I know that smile,” Maddie says, pulling me from my thoughts of a handsome Navy SEAL and how excited I am for our date tonight.
My first real one ever.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply, but my smile only widens.
Maddie arches a brow.“This have anything to do with that handsome neighbor of yours?You know, the one who was in here earlier and couldn’t take his eyes off of you?”
The smile on my face widens so much that it actually makes my cheeks ache.“Maybe.”
“Girl, it’s about time!”
“What does that mean?”
“Do you know how many times since you started working here, he’s done just that?Of course, it was never so obvious.He’d sit with the others and glance over whenever you weren’t looking.”
It’s news to me, but honestly, it makes me even happier.“Really?”
“Really.The guy has had it bad for you for a while now.”
“I guess the timing is finally right.”I take a deep breath.“He makes me feel so?—”
“Alive?”she asks.
“Yes.And beautiful.He looks at me like I’m the only one in the world.”
“That’s how a good manshouldlook at you.”